“Hope is often misunderstood. People tend to think that it is simply passive wishful thinking...This is indeed the opposite of real hope, which requires action and engagement.” - Jane Goodall
I write, direct, and produce films and series that examine neglected social issues to inspire compassionate action on our planet. This year I completed my first feature, LIVE OUT LOUD, a documentary that illustrates the transformative power of filmmaking. Shot over one year, this documentary tells the stories of Sumaiyya, David, and John, three people experiencing homelessness in Portland, Oregon as they are empowered and begin to heal from childhood trauma by learning to make films in a grant-funded class. The film was scored by the world-renowned musicians of The Gallop Quintet, featuring Kidd Jordan on sax, Hamid Drake on percussion, Alex de Grassi on guitar, and Don Paul on spoken word. In addition to working on my own projects, I co-produce Connectivity Project, a documentary series about people and organizations making a positive impact on our interconnected world, and serve as Vice President for the McMinnville Short Film Festival. Before shifting my focus to film, I taught writing and literature at Portland Community College in Portland, Oregon for many years. In 2020 I moved back to my birth state, Kentucky, in order to be closer to family. I grew up on a cattle and tobacco farm in Bourbon County long before smoking was out and Bourbon was cool. As a person with chronic Lyme and autoimmune disease, I'm eager to get started on documentaries that address inequities for people with both visible and invisible disabilities.
Filmography
Producer (3 Credits)
Live Out Loud2021
Documentary
"Esperanza's Turn"2019
Short
"Circles"2014
Short
Director (3 Credits)
Live Out Loud2021
Documentary
"Esperanza's Turn"2019
Short
"Circles"2014
Short
Writer (2 Credits)
"Esperanza's Turn"2019
Short
"Circles"2014
Short
24 Awards & Selections
WORLD PREMIERE Live Out Loud
Dances With Films Hollywood
2022
Finalist - Best International Short "Esperanza's Turn"
Swedish International Film Festival Arvika
2021
2nd Place - Women's Issues Themed "Esperanza's Turn"
New York io Film Festival/Limited Roku Streaming NYC
2021
Official Selection "Esperanza's Turn"
Kalakari Film Festival Dewas, India
2021
Official Selection "Esperanza's Turn"
Children's Film Festival Seattle Seattle
2021
Best Sound Design "Esperanza's Turn"
Hollywood International Golden Age Festival New York
2020
Official Selection "Esperanza's Turn"
Studio City International Film & TV Festival Los Angeles
2020
Official Selection "Esperanza's Turn"
Paris Lift-Off Film Festival Paris
2020
Official Selection "Esperanza's Turn"
Portland Film Festival Portland, Oregon
2020
Finalist "Esperanza's Turn"
Toronto Film Magazine Toronto
2020
Official Selection "Esperanza's Turn"
Los Angeles Lift-Off Film Festival Los Angeles
2020
Silver Mention - Best Social Issues Film "Esperanza's Turn"
Phoenix Monthly Film Festival Maple, Ontario
2020
Official Selection "Esperanza's Turn"
Louisville International Film Festival Louisville, Kentucky
2020
Best Sound Design "Esperanza's Turn"
Cyrus International Film Festival Toronto
2020
Best Director Award and Nominee for Best Oregon Film "Esperanza's Turn"
Oregon Short Film Festival The Dalles
2020
Official Selection "Esperanza's Turn"
The Short Film Filmmaker's Showcase at Pinewood Studios London
2020
Rising Star Award for Dramatic Short Film "Esperanza's Turn"
Colorado International Activism Film Festival Denver
"Don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own." - Michelle Obama
“Hope is often misunderstood. People tend to think that it is simply passive wishful thinking...This is indeed the opposite of real hope, which requires action and engagement.” - Jane Goodall